Not all thermal imagers are of the same quality. Although there may be specifications in advertisements and promotions that all thermal imagers seem to be the same at first glance, there are many factors that determine whether a given camera is of adequate quality and durable enough to be used in everyday work in difficult conditions. When buying a thermal imaging camera, compare products and distinguish a professional instrument from a fancy toy. Low-quality thermal imaging devices are easily damaged and have not been tested for drop resistance. Although such toys give the impression that they are suitable for work, they often only pretend to be instruments for industrial applications, because they usually do not have adequate image resolution, function of monitoring the battery level, and also require a cumbersome process of collecting and saving thermographic data. Professional instruments are not only durable and durable, but also save time. To find the perfect thermal imaging camera, pay attention to the features listed below.
Features of a professional thermovision device:
1. Strength, damage resistance and small dimensions
Toy cameras are usually not resistant enough to be suitable for frequent use or endured accidental fall. Tools for professionals should be solid and enable work in difficult ones conditions. It is worth considering the manufacturer's reputation in terms of the quality of its products, because it is important factor when assessing instruments. The issue of strength is much more than just expecting the instrument to be continue to work after falling to the floor. The quality of the construction is also important - down to the smallest details. Is the cover battery compartment closes without problems? Is the thermal imaging camera equipped with a pistol grip ensuring good weight distribution of the device? Is the thermal imaging camera equipped with a wrist strap, which can be adapted to right-handed and left-handed people? Does the lens cover provide sufficient protection?
2. Various focus options
A blurred infrared image can result in data that does not properly reflect the state of the controlled components. Fixed focal length cameras offer "aim and press" technology, which usually provides sharp images at a certain distance from the subject. Infrared measurements at constant focal length are often faster than with manual focus, but may be less accurate. For high-resolution thermal imaging cameras, being able to focus accurately is extremely important. Cameras with focusing or manual focusing can record sharp images of objects located much closer - often already at a distance of 15 cm. They also allow you to get much sharper images and more accurate results at greater distances. To ensure even greater precision, some infrared cameras have a built-in laser pointer to help you accurately track your target.
3. The function of overlaying images in visible and infrared light
Thermal imaging cameras offering the function of combining visible and visible images infrared allow operators to quickly detect and locate potential problems. Basically it means the camera overlaps two images, pixel by pixel, creating a single image that can be easier see the source of the thermal problem. Fluke Corporation has patented the innovative IR Fusion® technology, which is used in portable thermal imaging cameras for industrial applications. IR Fusion® technology makes it possible automatic image recording in the visible light range simultaneously with the infrared image. Technician those using the camera can view the image in full infrared, full visible light or in several indirect degrees of overlapping images.
4. Battery life and monitoring
A thermal imaging camera should allow monitoring of the battery level by means of an LED indicator to prevent unexpected power loss. The best thermal imaging cameras use batteries lithium-ion, which provide the energy needed to use advanced features. Lithium has a high density energy, and the charge accumulated in it slowly discharges on its own. In addition, this lithium technology guarantees usually five years of battery life and often enables recycling. To maximize the period operation of lithium batteries, it is good practice to fully discharge them and then charge them to full. This procedure should be repeated 5-10 times at the beginning of use. Fluke TiS infrared cameras from the series usable are equipped with a charge level indicator with five LEDs. This feature clearly shows when the battery needs charging. Chargers in newer instruments are designed to optimize time battery operation.
5. Advanced diagnostics and reporting software
This software enables image editing and purification, provides analytical functions, and also offers teams the opportunity to share professional-looking reports. It is useful in many different applications and industries. It can be used to analyze and edit infrared images and carry out detailed processing before handing it over to management. This advanced software allows users to correct images to optimize their quality and presentation of results, offering many image formats, the function of combining visible and infrared light, and the function of creating custom reports.
6. Wireless transfer and sharing of images
The ability to display infrared images recorded with a thermal imaging camera on a smartphone or computer can be a significant advantage, depending on the type of work performed. The wireless sharing feature allows you to remotely present potential problems to customers and colleagues, saving you time. Thanks to it, you can make decisions faster and collaborate in real time. There are better ways to spend time than wasting it often 4 Fluke Corporation Why do you need a real thermal imager, not a toy. Extend your possibilities significantly by using the wireless features of the Fluke Connect® 1 app. The Fluke Connect mobile app allows you to transfer images and measurements from Fluke infrared cameras in real time to any smartphone or tablet where this application is installed. You can also instantly share results with team members to better collaborate and solve problems faster. Fluke Connect® Assets also allows you to assign images to assets, display images and measurements by resource, and create reports containing other types of measurements. For more information, visit www.flukeconnect.com. 1 Within the range of the wireless service offered by the provider; Fluke Connect® and Fluke Connect® Assets are not available in all countries. The smartphone is not included in the purchase price. Commute to the office. Professional reports that can be presented to management or clients almost immediately form the basis for quick decision making. You can share images over the internet with team members working elsewhere - for example, using the Fluke Connect® mobile app. Once the thermal images are saved to the Fluke Cloud, they will always be available to all team members with an active account.
7. Image quality to clearly see the problems
The sharpness provided by the thermal imaging camera has a direct impact on the accuracy of the temperature measurement results obtained. A blurred image can cause the temperature measurement accuracy to be over 20 degrees. In order to obtain better quality images, the image of the object must be recorded with adequate sharpness by a larger number of pixels in the matrix. A camera with a wider field of view that determines the area it covers at a given moment enables the recording of a larger area. If two cameras have the same matrix resolution, but one of them has a narrower field of view, it will usually record more detailed images.
